Ukraine Orthodox Church wins independence

05/01/2019

Image copyright Reuters Image caption Ceremonies are taking place in Istanbul to recognise the independence of Ukraine’s Orthodox Church from Russia Ceremonies to recognise Ukraine’s Orthodox Church’s independence, marking a historic split from the Russian Church, are under way.The Ecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul, Turkey – the head of the global Orthodox Church – is to…

Image copyrightReutersImage caption Ceremonies are taking place in Istanbul to recognise the independence of Ukraine’s Orthodox Church from Russia

Ceremonies to recognise Ukraine’s Orthodox Church’s independence, marking a historic split from the Russian Church, are under way.

The Ecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul, Turkey – the head of the global Orthodox Church – is to sign a document granting “autocephaly” or independence.

It formalises an October announcement.

The move has provoked a furious response in Russia, where the Church has broken off links, deepening a split in the worldwide Orthodox Church.

Ukraine’s churches have for centuries been under the authority of the leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow.

The decision may also lead to a lasting schism in the global Orthodox movement, says the BBC’s Jonah Fisher in Kiev, Ukraine.

What are the events in Istanbul?

The Patriarch is to sign what is known as a “tomos”, a decree officially recognising an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in the presence of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who travelled to Istanbul for the occasion.

Istanbul remained the centre of the Orthodox Church after the Muslim Ottoman Turks occupied the city, then known as Constantinople, in the 15th Century.

The event at St George’s cathedral is being broadcast live on Ukrainian television.

The tomos will be handed over on Sunday, and will be brought back to Ukraine on what is the Orthodox Christmas Eve. On Monday – Christmas Day – a celebration and rally will take place in central Kiev.

The Moscow branch of the Ukrainian Church has denied accusations that it acts as a tool of the Kremlin, and says it has tried to bring about peace in eastern Ukraine.

Earlier this year, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople overruled its decision dating back to 1686 to transfer its jurisdiction over Kievan Orthodox churches (known as the Kievan Metropolis) to Moscow.

Now Moscow fears losing many of its 12,000 parishes in Ukraine.

Constantinople holds sway over more than 300 million Orthodox Christians across the world.